Crouch Mesa Man Arrested in Death of Woman

 On April 5 at 7:27pm, SJCSO deputies were dispatched to a residence on Road 390 in reference to a missing person.  Family members of Denise Werito were concerned as she never arrived at work that day, her vehicle was not at her residence, and they had not heard from Denise.  While meeting family at the victim’s residence, deputies had cause to force entry into the residence where they found the body of Ms. Werito.  With signs of foul play, the scene was secured and detectives were called in.

From the San Juan County Sheriff's Office

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Mateo Yazzie in connection with the death of Denise Werito.   Mateo Yazzie, age 23 is being charged with Murder in the 2^nd degree, a 2^nd degree felony.

 On April 5 at 7:27pm, SJCSO deputies were dispatched to a residence on Road 390 in reference to a missing person.  Family members of Denise Werito were concerned as she never arrived at work that day, her vehicle was not at her residence, and they had not heard from Denise.  While meeting family at the victim’s residence, deputies had cause to force entry into the residence where they found the body of Ms. Werito.  With signs of foul play, the scene was secured and detectives were called in.

 Mateo Yazzie who lived at the victim’s residence was quickly identified as a possible suspect. An abandoned vehicle located in Farmington was linked to the victim. Yazzie was located at an apartment in Farmington and was detained for questioning.  The investigation led Sheriff’s Office Detectives to secure an arrest warrant for Mateo Yazzie for the charge of 2^nd degree murder.